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Innovation’s governance and investments for enhancing competitiveness of manufacturing SMEs
No full textTo become innovative and competitive manufacturing contractors, SMEs have to be capable to supply manufacturers with advanced equipment, components, and tools for improved manufacturing and engineering operations. Besides, despite their foremost numbers and importance in job creation, traditionally SMEs encounter difficulty in obtaining formal credit or equity. Maturities of commercial bank loans extended to SMEs are often limited to a period far too short to pay off any sizeable investment. Many European governments and international financial institutions have tried to address the problems of high transaction costs and risks by creating subsidized credit programmes and/or providing loan guarantees. Such projects have often fostered a culture of non-repayment or failed to reach the target group or achieve financial self-sustainability. Further, it tries to understand what are the main barriers for SMEs with respect to the realisation of their innovative potential and their capacity to improve internal processes by the adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques and a graduated organizational change. They are becoming particularly important for achieving greater productivity, lower operational costs, and higher revenues (usually characterized by reduced access to external finance, unavailability of wider distribution channels, low internationalization, etc.). The purpose of this article at last is to clarify how on-line training on automation and innovation fields can bring economic and organizational benefits. Innovative training contents can improve manufacturing knowledge of managers and employees, especially on industrial automation systems.To become innovative and competitive manufacturing contractors, SMEs have to be capable to supply manufacturers with advanced equipment, components, and tools for improved manufacturing and engineering operations. Besides, despite their foremost numbers and importance in job creation, traditionally SMEs encounter difficulty in obtaining formal credit or equity. Maturities of commercial bank loans extended to SMEs are often limited to a period far too short to pay off any sizeable investment. Many European governments and international financial institutions have tried to address the problems of high transaction costs and risks by creating subsidized credit programmes and/or providing loan guarantees. Such projects have often fostered a culture of non-repayment or failed to reach the target group or achieve financial self-sustainability. Further, it tries to understand what are the main barriers for SMEs with respect to the realisation of their innovative potential and their capacity to improve internal processes by the adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques and a graduated organizational change. They are becoming particularly important for achieving greater productivity, lower operational costs, and higher revenues (usually characterized by reduced access to external finance, unavailability of wider distribution channels, low internationalization, etc.). The purpose of this article at last is to clarify how on-line training on automation and innovation fields can bring economic and organizational benefits. Innovative training contents can improve manufacturing knowledge of managers and employees, especially on industrial automation systems.Articles published in or submitted to a Journal without IF refereed / of international relevanc
Rethinking Think Tanks in contemporary China: cases from Financial and Environmental Governance in East Asia
No full textSetting the Puzzle. Think Tanks: A Literature Review. Think tanks in China. Think Tanks 4.0. Chinese Think tanks in East Asia: evidence from Financial Governance. Think Tanks and China’s Environmental Governance. Rethinking Think Tanks Functionality in Contemporary China.Setting the Puzzle. Think Tanks: A Literature Review. Think tanks in China. Think Tanks 4.0. Chinese Think tanks in East Asia: evidence from Financial Governance. Think Tanks and China’s Environmental Governance. Rethinking Think Tanks Functionality in Contemporary China.LUISS PhD Thesi
The Portuguese Constitutional Court case law on austerity measures: a reappraisal
No full textIn different cases in these last years, the Portuguese Constitutional Tribunal (PCT) has reviewed the legality on some of the austerity measures agreed with (but effectively imposed by) the Trojka – the European Commission (Commission), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – as conditions for the release of the loan package granted to Portugal in May 2011. As it is well-known, some of those austerity measures have been declared unconstitutional. This paper tries to shed some light on a number of questions, both theoretical and practical, to which those judgments give rise.
The jurisprudence of the PCT raises crucial issues which the constitutional courts of EU Member States will certainly need to address in the future: what is the boundary between judicial activism and the judicial recognition of fundamental social rights as a remedy to the legislature’s minimalism in ensuring the protection of those rights? When can legislative action, insofar as resulting from the democratic process, no longer be regarded as the best way to secure that the rights of citizens are safeguarded? To what extent can judges require the legislature to take social rights ‘seriously’?
In this regard, we believe that, even though judges obviously do not create the law, they should be active – rather than activist or creative – agents of change whenever constitutional rights are put at risk by national legislation – whether or not the latter is the result of an international obligation or constraint – in order to behave as guardians of last resort for citizens’ fundamental rights.In different cases in these last years, the Portuguese Constitutional Tribunal (PCT) has reviewed the legality on some of the austerity measures agreed with (but effectively imposed by) the Trojka – the European Commission (Commission), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – as conditions for the release of the loan package granted to Portugal in May 2011. As it is well-known, some of those austerity measures have been declared unconstitutional. This paper tries to shed some light on a number of questions, both theoretical and practical, to which those judgments give rise.
The jurisprudence of the PCT raises crucial issues which the constitutional courts of EU Member States will certainly need to address in the future: what is the boundary between judicial activism and the judicial recognition of fundamental social rights as a remedy to the legislature’s minimalism in ensuring the protection of those rights? When can legislative action, insofar as resulting from the democratic process, no longer be regarded as the best way to secure that the rights of citizens are safeguarded? To what extent can judges require the legislature to take social rights ‘seriously’?
In this regard, we believe that, even though judges obviously do not create the law, they should be active – rather than activist or creative – agents of change whenever constitutional rights are put at risk by national legislation – whether or not the latter is the result of an international obligation or constraint – in order to behave as guardians of last resort for citizens’ fundamental rights.Refereed Working Papers / of international relevanc
Cooperation in the shadow of WTO law: why litigate when you can negotiate
No full textIn the current multilateral trade regime, members often negotiate under the shadow of WTO law. This article develops a formal explanation of the way in which the credible threat to resort to and the actual use of WTO litigation can influence multilateral trade negotiations. We contend that the ability to impose costs on a defendant by way of litigation increases the complainant’s bargaining power, opening a bargaining window and ultimately increasing the chances for cooperation in multilateral trade negotiations. On the other hand, the complainant’s preference for loss-mitigation over gains from retaliation and its expectations about the likelihood that the defendant will not comply with an adverse ruling can augment the defendant’s bargaining leverage. Thus, contrary to conventional wisdom, increased enforcement does not necessarily make actors shy away from further cooperation, although the credibility of the defendant’s non-compliant threats crucially affects the location of any potential negotiated agreement. Empirically, we show that the argument can account for how Brazil, a potential complainant, and the EU and the US, two potential defendants, approached and bargained agricultural negotiations in the Doha round.In the current multilateral trade regime, members often negotiate under the shadow of WTO law. This article develops a formal explanation of the way in which the credible threat to resort to and the actual use of WTO litigation can influence multilateral trade negotiations. We contend that the ability to impose costs on a defendant by way of litigation increases the complainant’s bargaining power, opening a bargaining window and ultimately increasing the chances for cooperation in multilateral trade negotiations. On the other hand, the complainant’s preference for loss-mitigation over gains from retaliation and its expectations about the likelihood that the defendant will not comply with an adverse ruling can augment the defendant’s bargaining leverage. Thus, contrary to conventional wisdom, increased enforcement does not necessarily make actors shy away from further cooperation, although the credibility of the defendant’s non-compliant threats crucially affects the location of any potential negotiated agreement. Empirically, we show that the argument can account for how Brazil, a potential complainant, and the EU and the US, two potential defendants, approached and bargained agricultural negotiations in the Doha round.Refereed Working Papers / of international relevanc
Sectoral systems or distance-to-the-frontier effects in innovation? A comparison of three medium-technology sectors in Germany, Italy and Spain
No full textThis study analyzes empirically whether the Sectoral Systems of Innovation or the Distance to-the-Frontier perspective more accurately describe the patterns of innovation in medium technology sectors in Germany, Italy and Spain. While the Sectoral Systems of Innovation predicts the existence of technology-related similarities in innovative patterns in the same sectors across countries, the Distance-to-the Frontier suggests the existence of important differences related with the level of technological development of each national sector. Using Community Innovation Survey data and applying an econometric strategy specifically devised for innovations survey I am able to test a set of hypotheses directly related with each of the two theories. The results of the econometric analysis show that relevant differences across countries exist with respect to the intensity of R&D activities and the economic impact of different types of innovations, confirming the Distance-to-the-Frontier hypothesis, while great cross-country similarity emerges among the sources of knowledge used to develop new innovations, in line with the Sectoral Systems of Innovation framework. The results highlight the importance to take into account both frameworks for a useful analysis of innovation within sectors.This study analyzes empirically whether the Sectoral Systems of Innovation or the Distance to-the-Frontier perspective more accurately describe the patterns of innovation in medium technology sectors in Germany, Italy and Spain. While the Sectoral Systems of Innovation predicts the existence of technology-related similarities in innovative patterns in the same sectors across countries, the Distance-to-the Frontier suggests the existence of important differences related with the level of technological development of each national sector. Using Community Innovation Survey data and applying an econometric strategy specifically devised for innovations survey I am able to test a set of hypotheses directly related with each of the two theories. The results of the econometric analysis show that relevant differences across countries exist with respect to the intensity of R&D activities and the economic impact of different types of innovations, confirming the Distance-to-the-Frontier hypothesis, while great cross-country similarity emerges among the sources of knowledge used to develop new innovations, in line with the Sectoral Systems of Innovation framework. The results highlight the importance to take into account both frameworks for a useful analysis of innovation within sectors.Refereed Working Papers / of international relevanc
Il principio di "equilibrio" del bilancio nel quadro della governance europea dei conti pubblici
No full textLa decisione di bilancio, tra teoria economica ed aspetti istituzionali: l'art. 81 della Costituzione. Il progressivo adattamento dell'ordinamento nazionale ai vincoli europei in materia di bilancio. La costituzionalizzazione del principio dell'"equilibrio" di bilancio: la Legge costituzionale n. 1/2012 e la Legge "rinforzata" n. 243/2012. Il nuovo diritto del bilancio: verso l'introduzione di vincoli contenutistici o una diversa conformazione dei procedimenti decisionali nazionali? Obbligo di copertura o “pareggio” di bilancio? Quale significato attribuire al principio di "equilibrio" nella nuova governance europea dei conti pubblici.La decisione di bilancio, tra teoria economica ed aspetti istituzionali: l'art. 81 della Costituzione. Il progressivo adattamento dell'ordinamento nazionale ai vincoli europei in materia di bilancio. La costituzionalizzazione del principio dell'"equilibrio" di bilancio: la Legge costituzionale n. 1/2012 e la Legge "rinforzata" n. 243/2012. Il nuovo diritto del bilancio: verso l'introduzione di vincoli contenutistici o una diversa conformazione dei procedimenti decisionali nazionali? Obbligo di copertura o “pareggio” di bilancio? Quale significato attribuire al principio di "equilibrio" nella nuova governance europea dei conti pubblici.LUISS PhD Thesi
Business model innovation: antecedents of business model innovation and effects on firm performance
No full textExploring the antecedents to business model reconfiguration: an empirical analysis of pension funds. Does business model reconfiguration lead to better performance in incumbents? An empirical analysis of Australian pension funds. Fund evolution in the Australian superannuation industry: the role of leaders and stakeholders for superannuation funds.Exploring the antecedents to business model reconfiguration: an empirical analysis of pension funds. Does business model reconfiguration lead to better performance in incumbents? An empirical analysis of Australian pension funds. Fund evolution in the Australian superannuation industry: the role of leaders and stakeholders for superannuation funds.LUISS PhD Thesi
The institutionalization of project management: an analysis of the actors, strategies and paths that lead to the professionalization of a new discipline
No full textModern economy, especially over the last 20 years, and the continuous development of new technologies brought to the modification of society and the way people work. As a result, a number of new professional figures emerged and embarked on what has been historically termed a professional project. The focus of this thesis is on one of those new expert occupations: project management (PM). As new expert occupation, being hampered by multiple players with contrasting interests, it is forced to develop its professional projects in a new way differently from old and traditional, professions. Professionalization is then seen as the spatially and temporally contingent outcome of the negotiations between different actors (i.e.: professional associations, big corporations, State, universities), each with their own objectives, interests, resources, and capabilities. The used methodology is a qualitative case study made up of semi-structured interviews and archival data (retrieved trough websites, journals and newspapers) with all above mentioned actors. Thus, the methodological unit of analysis is Italian PM field. Setting the Italian field as a unit of analysis, I resorted to different archival data to demonstrate in a first moment how, around the discipline of PM, there is a growing interest and then I drew a comparison between the two main existing professional strategies. The strategies focus, on the one hand, on the struggle to compete in the private and public sectors, and, on the other hand, between national and international level. Thus this thesis is the first detailed and comprehensive study in the field of PM within the Italian context. To analyze the development of the PM professional project, I looked mainly at the three main PM professional associations that are active in this field: PMI, IPMA, and ISIPM. The result shows that the development of PM in Italy is following a new pattern of professionalization with distinctive characteristics either respect to traditional professions that to the new ones.Modern economy, especially over the last 20 years, and the continuous development of new technologies brought to the modification of society and the way people work. As a result, a number of new professional figures emerged and embarked on what has been historically termed a professional project. The focus of this thesis is on one of those new expert occupations: project management (PM). As new expert occupation, being hampered by multiple players with contrasting interests, it is forced to develop its professional projects in a new way differently from old and traditional, professions. Professionalization is then seen as the spatially and temporally contingent outcome of the negotiations between different actors (i.e.: professional associations, big corporations, State, universities), each with their own objectives, interests, resources, and capabilities. The used methodology is a qualitative case study made up of semi-structured interviews and archival data (retrieved trough websites, journals and newspapers) with all above mentioned actors. Thus, the methodological unit of analysis is Italian PM field. Setting the Italian field as a unit of analysis, I resorted to different archival data to demonstrate in a first moment how, around the discipline of PM, there is a growing interest and then I drew a comparison between the two main existing professional strategies. The strategies focus, on the one hand, on the struggle to compete in the private and public sectors, and, on the other hand, between national and international level. Thus this thesis is the first detailed and comprehensive study in the field of PM within the Italian context. To analyze the development of the PM professional project, I looked mainly at the three main PM professional associations that are active in this field: PMI, IPMA, and ISIPM. The result shows that the development of PM in Italy is following a new pattern of professionalization with distinctive characteristics either respect to traditional professions that to the new ones.LUISS PhD Thesi
Discourses and practices of the regionalisation of foreign and security policies: the cases of West Africa and South America
No full textThe process of the regionalisation of foreign and security policies, its conditions of
emergence and evolution, is the core object of study of this doctoral thesis. This
research has two aims, first it seeks to construct a new framework to understand and
conceptualise regionalisation processes and second, applying this framework to draw
conclusions on the paths these processes take in West Africa and South America.
In this research I take issue with the way in which IR approaches present regional
projects as the ‘natural’ or ‘rational’ response of nation states to a combination of
objective and ideational factors. A more thorough explanation requires an account of the
ways in which these factors are themselves constituted, maintained and shaped by
discourses and power relations between the relevant actors, as well as through the
concrete practices the actors deploy. I thus conceptualise regionalisation as an interplay
between discourses and practices of actors ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ the region.
Methodologically, the analysis uses a poststructuralist discourse analysis and an
interpretative process tracing that relies mainly on ethnographic work.
The key empirical findings of this thesis are twofold. First, historically constituted
discourses are crucial in determining the form and extent of the regionalisation process
– in particular the key articulations linking the concepts of state/nation and region.
Second, the comparison allowed me to demonstrate that regions are not independent
units: they are part of an international system where actors (re)produce discourses
carrying certain norms, concepts and meanings such as ‘security’, ‘development’,
‘regional integration’, etc. It is precisely the encounter between the regional and
‘external’ actors discourses which constitutes the process of regionalisation. The
meaning given to security, in particular, which emerges at the intersection of these
discourses, decisively frames the process towards either cooperation between sovereign
states or the building of a regional political community.The process of the regionalisation of foreign and security policies, its conditions of
emergence and evolution, is the core object of study of this doctoral thesis. This
research has two aims, first it seeks to construct a new framework to understand and
conceptualise regionalisation processes and second, applying this framework to draw
conclusions on the paths these processes take in West Africa and South America.
In this research I take issue with the way in which IR approaches present regional
projects as the ‘natural’ or ‘rational’ response of nation states to a combination of
objective and ideational factors. A more thorough explanation requires an account of the
ways in which these factors are themselves constituted, maintained and shaped by
discourses and power relations between the relevant actors, as well as through the
concrete practices the actors deploy. I thus conceptualise regionalisation as an interplay
between discourses and practices of actors ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ the region.
Methodologically, the analysis uses a poststructuralist discourse analysis and an
interpretative process tracing that relies mainly on ethnographic work.
The key empirical findings of this thesis are twofold. First, historically constituted
discourses are crucial in determining the form and extent of the regionalisation process
– in particular the key articulations linking the concepts of state/nation and region.
Second, the comparison allowed me to demonstrate that regions are not independent
units: they are part of an international system where actors (re)produce discourses
carrying certain norms, concepts and meanings such as ‘security’, ‘development’,
‘regional integration’, etc. It is precisely the encounter between the regional and
‘external’ actors discourses which constitutes the process of regionalisation. The
meaning given to security, in particular, which emerges at the intersection of these
discourses, decisively frames the process towards either cooperation between sovereign
states or the building of a regional political community.LUISS PhD Thesi
Prostitution as a matter of freedom
No full textCan prostitution be conceived as a voluntary choice? Can the exchange of sexual services in return for money be seen as an act of will? Is it possible to distinguish between voluntary and coerced prostitution? Going through the philosophical debate within the feminist arena, my thesis will analyse the main theoretical standpoints: the radical one, mostly based on gender identity and adversarial logic between sexes; the libertarian one relying on self-ownership and individual freedom; the median one which tries to strike a balance between the two preceding perspectives admitting a certain dose of paternalism. To better understand the polarity within the feminist debate, consider that, while the American feminist Catherine MacKinnon excludes the possibility of voluntary prostitution, waging also a crusade against pornography seen as “an arm of prostitution”1, on the other hand the self-described dissident feminist, Camille Paglia, views the prostitute as “one of the few women who is totally in control of her fate, totally in control of the realm of sex”2. Moreover, moving from the theoretical to the descriptive dimension, I will describe the main regulatory frameworks existing in some countries, from the most liberal to the strictest one. My thesis is that there is no reason to exclude the possibility of voluntary prostitution, that is the possibility that someone chooses prostitution as a “desirable” activity; and that a neat distinction does exist between voluntary sex working and exploitation, being the latter featured by coercion.Can prostitution be conceived as a voluntary choice? Can the exchange of sexual services in return for money be seen as an act of will? Is it possible to distinguish between voluntary and coerced prostitution? Going through the philosophical debate within the feminist arena, my thesis will analyse the main theoretical standpoints: the radical one, mostly based on gender identity and adversarial logic between sexes; the libertarian one relying on self-ownership and individual freedom; the median one which tries to strike a balance between the two preceding perspectives admitting a certain dose of paternalism. To better understand the polarity within the feminist debate, consider that, while the American feminist Catherine MacKinnon excludes the possibility of voluntary prostitution, waging also a crusade against pornography seen as “an arm of prostitution”1, on the other hand the self-described dissident feminist, Camille Paglia, views the prostitute as “one of the few women who is totally in control of her fate, totally in control of the realm of sex”2. Moreover, moving from the theoretical to the descriptive dimension, I will describe the main regulatory frameworks existing in some countries, from the most liberal to the strictest one. My thesis is that there is no reason to exclude the possibility of voluntary prostitution, that is the possibility that someone chooses prostitution as a “desirable” activity; and that a neat distinction does exist between voluntary sex working and exploitation, being the latter featured by coercion.LUISS PhD Thesi